Egypt advanced to the AFCON 2025 semifinals after a pulsating 3-2 quarterfinal victory over defending champions Ivory Coast in Agadir.
The Pharaohs, led by Mohamed Salah, showcased resilience and clinical finishing to knock out the Elephants and keep their title dreams alive.
Omar Marmoush opened the scoring early with a curled effort past Yahia Fofana. Rami Rabia doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, powering home a header from Salah’s pinpoint corner. Ivory Coast pulled one back just before halftime via Ahmed Abou El Fotouh’s unfortunate own goal off Yan Diomande’s cross. Salah restored Egypt’s two-goal cushion in the 52nd minute, prodding home Emam Ashour’s outside-of-the-boot assist. Guela Doue added late drama with a clever heel-flick in the 73rd minute, but Egypt held firm.
Egypt now faces Senegal in the semifinals on Wednesday, pitting Salah against Sadio Mane in a blockbuster clash for a finals spot.
This loss eliminates Ivory Coast, who stunned the continent last year by winning AFCON 2024 on home soil. They clinched the title with a dramatic comeback semifinal win over Nigeria and a penalty shootout triumph over South Africa in the final. The early exit stings, ending their bid for back-to-back glory.
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